Empowering dialysis users and caregivers

Steve Bone

Hi, I'm Steve and have been a dialysis patient on some form of self-care or other since 1990. I've dialysed at home, abroad, in hospital, oh and had a transplant for 7 years. I work in the insurance industry for a City based business, but am very fortunate to be able to work from home 4 days a week. I hope, with my experiences, I can help others on dialysis or those facing dialysis in the future! It ain't so bad! Steve

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Now that NxStage have taken more control of their products in the UK, they are building a new site for the UK. This will be good news as hopefully we will see more materials and guides that are UK based. See http://www.nxstage.co.uk

I have recently had the survey carried out at home to see if I could accommodate a Fresenius 5008S, to replace my current NxStage machine. This immediately gives the opportunity to use HDF, a next step I am keen to take. All has been agreed, the techs have the machines available, – just waiting on confirmed dates for installation and training. Watch this space.

I have been dialysing on my now at home now for over 2 months with the Fresenius 5008S, after having used the NxStage for 3 years. I am still completing 4 hours a day for 6 days week, and the blood results are markedly better. Noticeably the middle molecule clearance is better, and my phosphates are well down now to less than 1.2 – always been an issue for me even with lots of Renagel!

The machine works well, and is quick and easy to set up. The process has been made very intuitive by Fresenius so whilst there is a lot to know about the machine it is quick and easy to pick up. I had three days training on the renal unit in Peterborough, and then a day ‘supervised’ at home and then left to fly solo!

However, the story with the NxStage is not over as I am taking one on holiday with me later in the year, so I will be loading up the car again with machine, dialysate and supplies, oh, and the boys, and setting off for 2 weeks.

So, if you take the opportunity to go home on dialysis, ask about HDF (hemo diafiltration) using the 5008S – you’ll be glad you did!